check before: 2024-12-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps
Platform:
Android, iOS, Mac, Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The Researcher feature in Microsoft Word will be retired starting late December 2024, with full retirement by January 2025. This affects Word for Windows and Mac desktops. Microsoft suggests using Copilot as an alternative. Users should be informed and documentation updated accordingly.
Details:
We will retire the Researcher feature in Microsoft Word starting January 2025. After Researcher retires, Researcher will not appear on the ribbon in Word and Researcher will no longer be supported. This message applies to Word for Windows desktops and Word for Mac desktops. Researcher was never available in the other Word platforms (Word for the web or Word for Android/iOS).
Microsoft is committed to improving your Microsoft 365 subscription. As a result, we occasionally remove features and benefits that duplicate equivalent offerings that are available to subscribers. Microsoft Copilot is a good alternative to Researcher.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late December 2024 and expect to complete by early January 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2024-10-01
updated:
2024-10-01
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Feature Removal
The Researcher feature will be removed from Microsoft Word, impacting users who rely on it for academic and professional writing.
- roles: Content Creators, Researchers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-paper-in-word-4e3628f2-00bc-4896-b314-2813e6cf8dde
User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion and frustration due to the sudden removal of a familiar feature without adequate preparation or training on alternatives.
- roles: End Users, Trainers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-paper-in-word-4e3628f2-00bc-4896-b314-2813e6cf8dde
Documentation Update Needs
Existing documentation will require updates to reflect the removal of the Researcher feature, which may lead to inconsistencies if not managed properly.
- roles: Technical Writers, Support Staff
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-paper-in-word-4e3628f2-00bc-4896-b314-2813e6cf8dde
Training Requirements
There will be a need for additional training sessions to familiarize users with Copilot as an alternative, which may not be feasible without prior notice.
- roles: IT Trainers, HR Development
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-paper-in-word-4e3628f2-00bc-4896-b314-2813e6cf8dde
Transition to New Tools
Users may face challenges in transitioning to Copilot, leading to potential productivity loss during the adjustment period.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-paper-in-word-4e3628f2-00bc-4896-b314-2813e6cf8dde
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
Microsoft is planning to retire the Researcher feature in Microsoft Word starting late December 2024, with full retirement by January 2025. This change will affect users of Word on both Windows and Mac desktops. The Researcher feature, which helps users find and incorporate reliable sources and content into their documents, will no longer be available or supported after this period. Instead, Microsoft suggests using their Copilot feature as an alternative.
To put this in simpler terms, imagine you have a favorite coffee shop that offers a special blend of coffee. You've been enjoying this blend for years, but the shop decides to stop offering it. They recommend a new blend that they believe is just as good, if not better. You might need to get used to the new flavor, but the shop assures you that it will meet your needs just as well, if not better, than the old one.
Similarly, Microsoft is phasing out the Researcher feature because they believe Copilot can provide a better experience. Copilot is designed to assist users in similar ways, helping them find and use information effectively within their documents. While it might take some time to get accustomed to Copilot, Microsoft is confident that it will serve as a suitable replacement.
For those managing teams or handling documentation, it's important to inform users about this upcoming change and update any guides or instructions that reference the Researcher feature. This will ensure a smooth transition and help everyone adapt to using Copilot instead.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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